$431,382Average Value$435Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Cottonwood offers expansive park space and friendly neighbors
On the south side of Bismarck, Cottonwood blends suburban streets with versatile recreational spaces. Wide residential roads lined with sidewalks, vintage-looking streetlamps and mature trees lead to paved walking trails and the expansive Cottonwood Park. The park keeps people outside and active during warmer months, and neighbors take time to get to know one another by exploring the community. “I’ve only been here for a year, but it did not take long to get to know people,” says Austin Muth, co-founding Realtor of Genesis Realty. “Everyone is really friendly, and you just see people out and about. My wife goes running, and I feel safe knowing if something happened, someone would be there.” While retail options are minimal, residents happily trade a drive downtown for a tranquil community near nature and the airport.
Residential growth brings diverse single-family homes and new subdivisions
Cottonwood has homes from the late 1990s and early 2000s as well as new and developing construction. Most are single-family houses in ranch, New Traditional, contemporary and custom styles. These typically cost between $360,000 and $725,000, hovering in the $500,000 range. “This area is going to have people’s second, third or fourth house. Maybe a forever home or a place to retire,” says Jeff White, Realtor for Capital Real Estate Partners. In southwestern subdivisions, four-plex condos and patio-style townhouses are more common. These sell more in the $200,000 to $275,000 range, excluding the Cottonwood Parkview Addition, where patio homes cost as much as $690,000. “If you want to live in this area but don’t have $500,000, you could totally grab one of those condos and still be in the neighborhood,” Muth says.
The Paradise Valley subdivision is in development at the intersection of Washington Street and Burleigh Avenue. This 164-acre master-planned community will offer residential, commercial and recreational spaces around a large artificial lake. Buyers choose from six home styles, and lots cost between $90,000 and $250,000.
You can find a variety of multi-family residences in Cottonwood including townhomes and condos.
The vast majority of homes in Cottonwood are of the New Traditional style.
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Students attend well-rated public schools and colleges
Students attend Solheim Elementary School, which has an A-minus Niche rating. It ranks as the third-best public elementary school in Burleigh County. Next is Wachter Middle School, which has a B-minus, followed by Bismarck High School. The school has a B-plus rating and a Medical Related Careers Department, which allows students to explore healthcare fields through job shadowing and state examinations. The neighborhood is roughly 3 miles from the University of Mary and United Tribes Technical College, which serves over 75 Native nations. Each September, the college hosts an International Powwow, where dancers and singers in traditional regalia compete while skilled artisans sell handmade goods. “One night of the year, you can hear the beating of the drums from here, and it’s actually pretty sweet,” Muth says.
Wachter Middle School enrolls 1,000 students in grades 6-8.
Bismarck High School has specialized programs for students going into medical careers.
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Warm weather recreation abounds at Cottonwood Park
“We have long winters in North Dakota, so in spring, people really like to get outside,” White says. “If you like to get outside at all, then this really is a great place to live.” The neighborhood’s crown jewel is Cottonwood Park, which offers over 200 acres of natural land and recreational space. Cyclists ride trails while youth leagues compete on the baseball and soccer fields. Cottonwood Pond has public fishing access, and BMX bikers enjoy the city’s only fast track. A volunteer-run racing program runs practices, weekly races and competitions on the track throughout the summer. Nearby, Hidden Star Park has a small playground and picnic shelter.
Enjoy watching a game at one of Cottonwood Park's baseball diamonds.
There are plenty of challenging obstacles for kids at Hidden Star Park in Cottonwood.
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Downtown Bismarck and shopping centers are a quick drive away
Cottonwood’s retail options are limited. A new gas station recently opened, and residents might visit 12 Stones Coffee Company for a hot drink. More diverse options are a quick drive away, with shopping centers and downtown Bismarck just 2 miles away. “Bismarck is also small enough that even if I live on the south side and there’s a really good restaurant that’s up north, I’m still going to go there because it might just take me 15 minutes,” White says. Five grocery stores, including Walmart and Sam’s Club, are also within 2 miles. Kirkwood Mall is a popular spot to shop, and downtown has an assortment of laidback pubs and restaurants.
12 Stones Coffee has great breakfast items and cappuccino drinks near Cottonwood.
Shop at Out of Town clothing store and other retailers near Cottonwood in Kirkwood Mall.
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Main roads connect to bike paths and the city’s airport
Cottonwood residents are car-dependent, and Washington Street, 12th Street and University Drive are the main corridors. The community also has paved bike paths along Burleigh Avenue, University Drive and the neighborhood’s northern border. This trail stretches to the Missouri River, curving around Riverwood Golf Course 2 miles away. The neighborhood is around the corner from Bismarck Municipal Airport but stays out of the flight path. “Every now and then, I’ll hear something go over our heads, but you really don’t notice,” Muth says. Sanford Medical Center and CHI St. Alexius Bismarck Medical Center are 3 miles away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Justin Sackman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cottonwood Park
Hidden Star Park
Cottonwood Lake
Southland Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Transit
Airport
Bismarck Municipal
17 min drive
Reviews
Homes.com Reviews
5.01 Review
5.0Current Resident
7/5/2025Homes.com Review
I love this area. Every neighbor is so friendly and helpful. I had a chance to build elsewhere but chose to build only three doors down. GREAT AREA.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cottonwood
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cottonwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cottonwood, Bismarck sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Cottonwood, Bismarck over the last 12 months is $1,200,000, up 307% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare opportunity to own a main-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in a desirable 55+ community. This 1,476 sq ft one-level unit features a large 2-stall attached garage and a private patio—perfect for easy, low-maintenance living. The open kitchen with center island connects seamlessly to the dining and living areas. The primary bedroom includes a 3⁄4 bath and walk-in closet, while two additional
Welcome to this ranch style townhouse located in south Bismarck. The kitchen opens to the dining area, creating a great flow for entertaining. The living room features a cozy double-sided fireplace shared with the primary suite, which includes a walk-in closet and private bath. A guest bedroom is conveniently located near the full bathroom. The main level laundry includes the washer and dryer for
Welcome to Cottonwood Parkview Addition, a premier offering where refined finishes and low-maintenance living come together.This thoughtfully constructed patio twinhome by JE Builders features a harmonious layout, high-quality materials, and exceptional attention to detail throughout.Upon entry, you are greeted by a spacious hallway that opens into a well-planned kitchen, dining area, and main
All Apartments come with a Washer and Dryer, Balcony or Patio, Single or Double stall garage, and with the heated outdoor pool, fitness room and yoga studio and bark park you have it all. Located in SW Bismarck. Call today for a personal showing.
Experience Southern Bismarck, ND in all its historic beauty. This capital city features a variety of historic entertainment options as well as more urban conveniences such as nearby shopping and dining. Cottonwood Apartments is a welcoming community that offers spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with private balcony or patio access.Cottonwood Apartment Homes are perfect for
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Justin Sackman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,920
Median Age
35
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,258
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,432
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.3%
College Graduates
44.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
% Population in Labor Force
71.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
3°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
62''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
